Polyoxymethylene (POM) is a type of engineering plastic that is also known as acetal or polyacetal. It is a highly crystalline and strong thermoplastic material that is commonly used in various industries for its excellent mechanical properties.
The creep properties of POM refer to its ability to deform or change shape under a constant load over time. POM exhibits a low creep rate, meaning it can resist deformation for long periods of time under a constant load. However, like most plastics, POM can still experience creep under high temperatures and stress levels.
Temperature plays a significant role in the creep behavior of POM. As the temperature increases, the creep rate of POM also increases. This is because at higher temperatures, the molecular chains of POM have more energy and can move more easily, leading to increased deformation. Therefore, it is important to consider the operating temperature when using POM in applications where creep resistance is critical.
Apart from temperature, other factors that can affect the creep properties of POM include stress level, humidity, and the presence of chemicals. Higher stress levels and exposure to certain chemicals can accelerate the creep rate of POM, while humidity can reduce its strength and stiffness, making it more prone to creep deformation.
The creep properties of POM can be improved by using various techniques such as adding reinforcing fillers, increasing the crystallinity of the material, or incorporating stabilizers. These methods can help to reduce the movement of molecular chains and increase the strength and stiffness of POM, making it more resistant to creep deformation.